Mary Ann Ploch

Mary Ann “Mandy” Ploch, 82, died peacefully surrounded by her family on December 21, 2024, following complications from a blood disorder (myelodysplastic syndrome with ring sideroblasts).

She is survived by her sons Greg (Ann) and Steve (Pamela), and grandchildren Taylor (Dylan and great-grandson Jameson), Ellie (Rainer), Austin, and Sophie.

Mandy was a force of nature and a force FOR nature as a conservationist, educator and horticulturalist. She was gracious, elegant, curious, oh-so smart, and fun. Her passions for the natural environment, animals, and outdoor adventures, travel, art, friends and family, kept her fully engaged with life from the beginning to the very end.

Born in Oregon, Illinois, she moved to Milwaukee in the early 1960s seeking adventure. There she met Ken, her future husband, while working as his secretary – famously negotiating a month off during ski season before accepting the full-time position. After their marriage and adopting Ken's two young sons, they moved to Delafield, where she created a vibrant home filled with horses, dogs, cats, and countless other critters.

Her love for the natural world led to a career in landscape design (degree obtained in her early 50’s) in which she focused on native plants. She quickly discovered "Wild Ones," a non-profit organization promoting native plant landscaping and biodiversity, where she eventually held leadership positions as the organization grew nationally.

Beyond Wild Ones and life as a master gardener, she served as library board president and taught courses on native plants at the Merton Town Hall Library.

An avid traveler, Mandy explored the world with family and friends, from backcountry horseback rides in Montana to adventures in Australia, Costa Rica, Africa, and Europe. She particularly cherished sharing these experiences with her grandchildren.

Her family and friends will deeply miss her loving advice based on her voracious appetite for knowledge and her love of the quirky aspects of the natural world (fungus, ravens, parasites, toxins). They were fortunate to know her sharp wit, hand-written letters, and warm smile. She encouraged and inspired all to LIVE, LIVE, LIVE and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, and she sure did.

A memorial service will be announced at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be directed to The Nature Conservancy, Merton Town Hall Library, or Wildones.org in her memory.